The possibilities of ‘cargotecture’Transformed shipping containers have been in demand all over the world for decades. They have been used as clinics, offices, storage facilities, libraries, apartments, student quarters and other meeting spaces. In this article, Umnyama Ikhaya shares with us their philosophy behind this alternative building technology and how it can be used in a creative and socially uplifting way - as a very real affordable housing option.

Umnyama Ikhaya, which means ‘rainbow homes,’ specializes in modular building, using shipping containers that measure: 12,19m L x 2,44m W x 2,9m H. These ISO

containers are also called HQ or HC (short for high cube because they stand slightly taller than a standard container), ISBU, inter-modal shipping containers, cargo containers, C-Blox, and conex boxes.

According to John Venter, Director of Umnyama Ikhaya, their modular building method can be applied to all aspects of society, from low- and medium-cost options to premium-cost products – both on and off the grid. It is fully customizable and can be used to construct everything from an outside room, shop, apartment block or entire township, to an upmarket house. All permanent structures will be delivered and fixed to a foundation at all times, and the possibilities are endless. “Modular building is the sensible choice,” Venter says. The company’s main focus in bringing their product to the market is towards off-grid, green living that integrates solar, wind, green growing walls, waterless toilets, rainwater harvesting systems, smokeless stoves, etc.

“You dream it, and we will build it. No challenge is too big or small. The beauty of this building form is its simplicity,” Venter states.

COSTINGWhen it comes to cost, Venter explains that container prices vary from R20,000 for a second-hand container, to about R52,000 for a once-used shipping container. Brand new shipping containers sell for about R62,000.

Venter is firm that Umnyama Ikhaya will only be using the high cube shipping containers as building blocks, due to their added height.

MARCH - APRIL 2016

ALTERNATIVE BUILDING TECHNOLOGY

Sketch and renderings: © Grow Architecture

ALTERNATIVE BUILDING TECHNOLOGY

He says, “Final costing on our most basic four-sleeper container home starts at about R150,000 fully fitted and delivered, but other factors will influence this pricing. Our goal is to present and discuss our concept with key stakeholders in the green building sector and to collaborate towards offering the most cost-effective solution.”

BENEFITS OF CARGOTECTUREAlso referred to as ‘cargotecture,’ the question remains, why container homes? Venter offers the following reasons that make container homes an interesting consideration that could offer a viable housing solution whilst making green living more affordable:

• Affordable• Stronger yet simpler • Short manufacturing time; less labour intensive• Space saving solution (stackable) • Very small carbon footprint• Mobility (originally designed for transport)• Insurance savings

GOALSVenter adds that his goals include the promotion of entrepreneurship and education by involving communities with skills development programmes – the basic homes will be built on this principle.

One challenge is to attract and convince local banks to supply mortgage finance for medium-cost container housing. This, in turn, will help South Africa with its housing shortage, and at the same time help to procure international and local government subsidies for such lower-cost housing programmes.

Based in Cape Town, Venter says service will extend to all parts of South Africa, with long-term plans to expand into Africa as he believes the entire continent stands to benefit from this venture.

For more information, visit www.umnyamaikhaya.co.za.

MARCH - APRIL 2016

Ground floor plan proposed layoutscale 1:50